Kelvingrove Park

Kelvingrove Park is a public park of 34 hectares (85 acres) located just before the confluence of the river with the Clyde on the River Kelvin in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland.

Kelvingrove Park was originally built as West End Park in 1852. It was designed in part by Sir Joseph Paxton, chief gardener at Chatsworth House, alongside two principal designers, architect Charles Wilson, and surveyor Thomas Kyle. The park's original purpose was to aid in the city's growth, as well as to give the growing middle class in the west a place to unwind and enjoy themselves.

Today when visiting Kelvingrove Park, visitors can see the stage stands, ice skating rink, bowling and croquet grounds, and various statues and monuments. The largest memorial in the park is the Stewart Memorial Fountain built in memory of Lord Provost Robert Stewart (1851–1854) and his efforts to provide fresh water to the city from Loch Katrine. The fountain was built in 1872 to a design by James Sellars from granite, sandstone, marble, and bronze.

The park is also the site of three major exhibitions including the International Exhibition of 1888, the International Exhibition of 1901, and the Scottish Exhibition of 1911. Large and impressive buildings have been constructed in the park including a large Indian pavilion, which is now the Art Gallery, and a Russian restaurant building to house these International exhibitions.

In a nutshell, Kelvingrove Park:

• a 34-hectare (85-acre) public park located in the West End of Glasgow, Scotland.
• was originally built as West End Park in 1852.
• designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, architect Charles Wilson and surveyor Thomas Kyle.
• the largest memorial in the park is the Stewart Memorial Fountain.
• the park is also home to three major international exhibitions.